1) Preparation for practitioners:
(1) The patient's medical history should be carefully re-viewed, the present course of the disease should be thoroughly learned, and the patient should be examined in detail to ascertain his general condition and determine if the disease indicates the use of hand and foot massage.

(2) The hands and feet of the patient should be carefully examined to see if they are suitable for massage.

(3) A clean, quiet, warm and comfortable environment must be arranged for massage application and a facility for the easy change of the posture should be provided.

(4) Herbal decoctions and supplemental instruments and tools are prepared if necessary, and the locations of acupoints and reflecting areas must be correctly defined and selected.

(5) The character, method and effects of the massage should be explained to the patient in detail on the first visit in order to earn his trust and cooperation.

(6) For patients with acute and severe diseases, other therapy should be suggested if the hand and foot massage is not effective; and for diseases not indicating this massage, the reasons for selecting other treatment should be patiently explained.

(7) The possibility of difficulties which may occur during treatment should be kept in mind and measures for solving them should be arranged in advance.